Remembering Byron Nelson

Byron Nelson turned pro in 1932. He won 47 tournaments, including five majors. Nelson won the 1937 and 1942 Masters; the 1939 U.S. Open; and the PGA Championship in 1940 and 1945.

Byron Nelson turned pro in 1932. He won 47 tournaments, including five majors. Nelson won the 1937 and 1942 Masters; the 1939 U.S. Open; and the PGA Championship in 1940 and 1945.

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In 1958, Augusta National dedicated a bridge at No. 13 tee to honor Nelson's victory in 1937. Nelson birdied No. 12, then he eagled 13 to pick up six shots on Ralph Guldahl.

In 1958, Augusta National dedicated a bridge at No. 13 tee to honor Nelson's victory in 1937. Nelson birdied No. 12, then he eagled 13 to pick up six shots on Ralph Guldahl.

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Nelson and Sam Snead served as honorary starters at the Masters.

Nelson and Sam Snead served as honorary starters at the Masters.

Elise Amendola/AP

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Nelson with Gary McCord.
"Everyone was surprised when I quit. Even Louise could hardly believe it. But I knew this about me: I wanted new challenges, new experiences. I wanted the ranch. I started writing for the newspaper. (Later) I did radio and TV."
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview

Nelson with Gary McCord.
"Everyone was surprised when I quit. Even Louise could hardly believe it. But I knew this about me: I wanted new challenges, new experiences. I wanted the ranch. I started writing for the newspaper. (Later) I did radio and TV."
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview

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"Ben Hogan and I knew each other since we were kids, but we were not really friends. We were well acquainted, let's say. When Ben built a nice home in Fort Worth, I was never invited to his house. I never got a call to come over. I never got a call from Hogan in my life. I never heard him crack a joke or say something funny. The man wanted to be left alone. I respect that, but I've always believed in having lots of friends and family around you. One time Ben and I played together in Fort Worth. We went to the caddie master, and Ben's caddie, this little kid, said, 'Hi, Mr. Hogan!' Ben just looked at the boy and said, 'You know the rules: Carry my clubs and keep your mouth shut.'"
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview

"Ben Hogan and I knew each other since we were kids, but we were not really friends. We were well acquainted, let's say. When Ben built a nice home in Fort Worth, I was never invited to his house. I never got a call to come over. I never got a call from Hogan in my life. I never heard him crack a joke or say something funny. The man wanted to be left alone. I respect that, but I've always believed in having lots of friends and family around you. One time Ben and I played together in Fort Worth. We went to the caddie master, and Ben's caddie, this little kid, said, 'Hi, Mr. Hogan!' Ben just looked at the boy and said, 'You know the rules: Carry my clubs and keep your mouth shut.'"
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview

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After the 1946 season, Nelson retired to his ranch in Texas. He was 34 years old.

After the 1946 season, Nelson retired to his ranch in Texas. He was 34 years old.

Gabriel Benzur/Time Life/Getty Images

AP

From 1944 to 1946, Nelson won 34 tournaments, and he finished second 16 times.

From 1944 to 1946, Nelson won 34 tournaments, and he finished second 16 times.

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"I remember my dad telling me he won 11 straight," said Tiger Woods. "That's what you call a hot streak."

"I remember my dad telling me he won 11 straight," said Tiger Woods. "That's what you call a hot streak."

LM Otero/AP

AP

During his record year, Nelson's scoring average was 68.33, and he had 19 consecutive rounds under 70.

During his record year, Nelson's scoring average was 68.33, and he had 19 consecutive rounds under 70.

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SI

In 1945, Nelson had the greatest year in golf. He won 11 straight tournaments, and he ended the year with a total of 18 wins.

In 1945, Nelson had the greatest year in golf. He won 11 straight tournaments, and he ended the year with a total of 18 wins.

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"If I could go back in time and talk to my 20-year-old self? I'd tell him this: 'Do it all the same.' I wouldn't change a thing. I've taken care of my body and mind, I've done the things I wanted, and surrounded myself with wonderful friends and family. If you do that, you won't have many regrets."
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview

"If I could go back in time and talk to my 20-year-old self? I'd tell him this: 'Do it all the same.' I wouldn't change a thing. I've taken care of my body and mind, I've done the things I wanted, and surrounded myself with wonderful friends and family. If you do that, you won't have many regrets."
 From Byron Nelson: His Last Interview